Keeping Your Head in a Heated Campaign Season: A Dose of Common Sense

Campaign season. It’s white-hot and currently in full swing, and with it comes the inevitable: yard signs sprouting like mushrooms, impassioned debates (or shouting matches) on social media, and attack ads that make you wonder if anyone running for office has ever done a single good thing in their life.

It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy. We become convinced that our candidate is the only one who can save the nation from impending doom, and anyone who disagrees is clearly misguided, if not downright malicious. But before we completely lose our heads (and maybe a few friends along the way), let’s take a deep breath and remember a few common sense truths.

1. Respectful Disagreement is Possible (and Necessary)

We live in a diverse society with a multitude of perspectives. It’s okay to disagree with someone’s political views. In fact, healthy debate is essential for a functioning democracy. But disagreement doesn’t have to devolve into demonization. We can challenge ideas without attacking the person holding them. Let’s strive for civil discourse, even when passions run high.

2. Politicians Are People Too

It’s easy to put politicians on a pedestal (or, conversely, to see them as the embodiment of evil). But they’re human beings with families, flaws, and, dare we say it, good intentions (most of the time). Let’s hold them accountable, yes, but let’s also extend them basic human decency.

3. Your Vote Matters, But It’s Not the Only Thing That Matters

Voting is a vital civic duty. But it’s not the end-all, be-all of civic engagement. We can make a difference in our communities through volunteering, supporting local businesses, and simply being good neighbors.

4. God is Still on the Throne

Perhaps the most important common sense reminder during this chaotic time is that, no matter who wins the election, God is still in control. As Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

Ultimately, the outcome of the election is in His hands. Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders, participate in the process with integrity, and trust that God will work all things for the good of those who love Him.It is also important to remember that our faith should not be solely tied to political outcomes. Our hope and trust should ultimately be in God, not in any human leader or government. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world, regardless of who is in power.

This election season has brought to light many issues that need to be addressed in our society, such as racial inequality, economic disparities, and the ongoing pandemic. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). This means advocating for the vulnerable, speaking up for the marginalized, and standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular.

No matter the results of the election, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to seek the welfare of the city where God has placed us (Jeremiah 29:7). Our faith should inform our actions and attitudes, shaping how we engage with our communities and contribute to the common good.

In times of uncertainty and division, it is essential for us as Christians to be a source of unity, peace, and hope. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, bringing healing and wholeness to a broken world. Let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and may we be guided by His wisdom and love in all that we say and do.

So, let’s navigate this campaign season with grace, wisdom, and a healthy dose of common sense. Let’s remember that we’re all in this together, regardless of our political affiliations. And most importantly, let’s trust that God is sovereign over all.